Successful ‘Meet the Buyers’ event at Manchester Airport generates nearly 1,000 meetings between local businesses and potential new clients

More than 300 attendees from 150 small and medium sized businesses across the region attended a ‘Meet the Buyers’ event at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park yesterday, seizing the opportunity to speak to some of the biggest names in the aviation, construction and hospitality sectors.

The annual event saw introductions made and deals struck between suppliers from Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and large regional employers like Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Holiday Inn & ibis budget, Bethell, Arup, and AmcoGiffen.

A range of workshops and presentations ran throughout the day, parallel to the event in the Runway Visitor Park’s main hangar – with almost 1,000 face to face appointments having taken place over the course of the event.

Martin Churley, Group Head of Environment & Sustainability at MAG, talked to delegates about Manchester Airport’s efforts to reduce its environmental impacts and the opportunities this presents for small and medium sized local businesses to secure contracts.

Mike Cunliffe, Work & Skills Lead at Manchester City Council, fronted a workshop on how businesses can deliver social value.

And in the afternoon, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce explained the services it offers to members and the benefits of joining, as well as offering insights into the regional business landscape.

Last year’s event at the same venue saw more than £6m-worth of deals struck and organisers are hopeful of a similar windfall for SMEs in the North this year.

"We are proud to connect the North – and that doesn’t just mean by linking people up with the places they want to travel to. In this case we’ve been able to connect local businesses with some of the biggest institutions in our region, and that can only be good for the regional economy. It was great to see so many brilliant and innovative businesses represented.”

Pete Lederer – Chief Operating Officer, Manchester Airport

“Manchester City Council is delighted to support the successful Manchester Airport Meet the Buyers event. This event is more than just a commercial opportunity; it’s a vital platform for fostering community connections and empowering local businesses, including SMEs.

“By facilitating meaningful interactions between Manchester-based businesses and a diverse range of suppliers, the event helps to strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive growth. It’s a key part of our City's Economic Strategy - Investing in Success, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are felt by all members of our community.”

Councillor John Hacking - Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, Manchester City Council

The event was also hailed as a success by a number of the local businesses and buyers in attendance;

“Meet the Buyers event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders, and explore new business prospects. We are proud to be involved in such a valuable networking platform.”  

Jenine Milburn, Munihire

“It was a fantastic event, and we enjoyed collaborating and networking with likeminded individuals, benefitting both suppliers and buyers driving the industry forward.”

Ray Barnfield, Speedy Hire

“It is great to have the opportunity to connect, innovate and build great relationships with potential long-term clients.”

Patricia Pitkin, Paragon Stainless Steel